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Office of Hawaiian Affairs highlights Malama Loan Program as designer Kinie Zamora credits support for business growth
Summary
On the Hi Now Daily show, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs described its Malama Loan Program—marking 35 years—saying it provides qualifying Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs loans up to $149,999 with follow-up mentoring; designer Kinie Zamora said OHA financing helped her move from a garage studio to a Halawa workspace.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs said its Malama Loan Program provides qualifying Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs loans up to $149,999 with terms of one to seven years and a 4% interest rate, Robert Crow said during an appearance on the Hi Now Daily television program.
Designer Kinie Zamora, who appeared on the show with Crow, told the host she began sewing at about age 10 and later competed on Project Runway in 2015. She said OHA financing helped her move from working in a garage to a studio in Halawa and expand her clothing line.
Why it matters: the Malama Loan Program combines capital and technical assistance, targeting Native Hawaiian small businesses that may lack access to traditional bank financing. Crow said OHA reviews applicants’ books and offers follow-up mentoring after loans are issued.
Crow described the program’s basic terms on air and said the program is observing a 35th anniversary this year. "We provide native Hawaiians loans to expand or start a business," Crow said. He added that the agency reviews applicants’ financials before awarding funds and follows up afterward to provide mentoring and additional services.
Zamora described her work and collection during the segment, noting she has continued creating collections since appearing on Project Runway and now operates from a Halawa workspace. She promoted items from her Kukui collection and a current promotion on a spaghetti-strap maxi priced at $60.
Practical details provided on the program during the segment include the loan cap, typical terms and interest rate, and a website for applicants: loans.oha.org. Crow said interested entrepreneurs should consult that site for application information.
The segment also noted that Zamora plans to present a new collection at a Made in Hawaii arts and vendors festival at the Convention Center in late August.
No formal actions or votes were taken during the broadcast; the program was an informational interview rather than a government meeting.
For more information about the Malama Loan Program, the OHA website lists program details and application materials at loans.oha.org.
